Portuguese Naval Aviation

History

Narrative Summary

After evaluation of the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite, an order was placed with Westland for 5 Super Lynx helicopters in 1990, for operation from the new MEKO 200 class frigates then under construction. The Naval Air Arm was formally established in June 1992 for coastal SAR and shipboard support duties. The first two helicopters were handed over on 29 July 1993. The pilots and maintenance engineers were then trained on the type by the Royal Navy and Westland Helicopters. The EHM unit which operates the Super Lynx was officially formed in September 1993. It is self contained within BA 6 at Montijo and has no Air Force personnel.

Key Dates:

June 1992

Naval air arm formally established.

July 1993

First helicopters delivered.

September 1993

First naval helicopter squadron officially formed.

Current Status

Portuguese naval helicopters are used primarily for shipboard support and coastal Search & Rescue (SAR) missions.

Future Plans

An additional 3 Lynx helicopters are required, to bring the total to eight.

Markings

National Insignia

Main MarkingFin Flash
The main marking is displayed on the fuselage sides only on helicopters. The fin flash is displayed on the tailfin. Navy types carry the service title MARINHA on the fuselage sides.

Aircraft Serial Numbers

Portuguese naval helicopters use the same serialling system as the air force – a unique five-figure number for each airframe.

This page gives details of some of the air bases and airfields which are, or have been, used by the Portuguese Navy.

BA6 Montijo (ICAO code: LPMT)
Air Base 6 (BA6) is located directly across the bay from Lisbon, at the end of a peninsula that projects into the bay, about 5 km from the town of Montijo. It was originally constructed in 1953 for the original Portuguese Naval Air Arm, and became an FAP Air Base when the Army and Navy air arms merged on 12 June 1954. The present Esquadrilha de Helicopteros da Marinha was formed here in 1993.
Runway data: Location: N38° 42′ 13.90″ W009° 02′ 09.30″, Elev: 46 ft (14 m), Rwy 08/26, Size: 8005 x 148 ft (2440 x 45 m), Rwy 01/19, Size: 7044 x 148 ft (2147 x 45 m).

History

After training by the Royal Navy, the Esquadrilha de Helicopteros da Marinha (EHM, Naval Helicopter Flight) was officially established on 24 September 1993, (not 1995 as other sources state). The helicopters are individually deployed to Vasco da Gama-class Frigates and operate as an integrated part of the Frigate’s weapons system. Specifically, the helicopters carry out Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and naval interdiction missions. They can also perform Search and Rescue, patrol and VIP transport duties. The EHM is unofficially referred to as 661 Esquadrilha, using the FAP’s unit designation system.

History

Five Super Lynx Mk.95 ordered in 1990 and delivered from June 1993. The first two were converted ex-Royal Navy HAS.3 machines and the other three new-build. Used for shipboard fishery protection and rescue duties. Initially serialled 9201-9205.